Vincent John Crusco

Vincent John Crusco, 73, of Dresher, passed away on June 1, 2016, following a lengthy illness. Vince was born in South Philadelphia to the late Rita (Triolio) Bolich and Pasquale Crusco. Vince graduated from Hatboro-Horsham High School in 1961. He was a gifted athlete and excelled as a lineman on the football team for both his school, and the CYO. Vince was a boy scout and served in the civil air patrol for 5 years. He attended Northampton Community College and Indiana University of PA. Following the tragic death of his stepfather in a vehicle fire, Vince realized his passion; firefighting. He joined the Enterprise Fire Co. of Hatboro at age 16. Over the years, he also served with the Lacey Park Volunteer Fire Co., Horsham Fire Co., and Willow Grove Volunteer Fire Co., where he achieved life membership. In 1976, Vince was hired by the federal government as a Federal Firefighter. He spent his entire career at the Naval Air Development Center (NADC), where he rose through the ranks to the position of Assistant Chief. In addition to firefighting, Vince became a Master Instructor, teaching Emergency Responders and others how to operate safely in an emergency environment. This ultimately led to the creation of his own safety training company which continues to thrive today. While at the NADC, he was proud to have co-invented and patented an ARFF Propane Mockup used today by the D.O.D. and civilian airports. Vince retired from the Federal Fire Service when the NADC closed in 1996. He later served as Chief of Montgomery County's Hazardous Materials Unit from 2001 to 2009. He was awarded Instructor Emeritus Status by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner in 2003. Outside of the fire service, Vince was an avid boater who loved the Jersey Shore and his camper in the pine barrens. Vince is survived by his beloved wife, Denise "Denny" Zwicker; his adored daughter, Mary; sisters Patricia Keyes (the late Francis), Denise Hopely (Norman Hopely); brothers John Bolich and Jim Bolich (Debbie). He was Uncle Vin and Uncle Boo to numerous nieces and nephews. He is also sadly missed by his pets, Lillie the dog and Alex the cat. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at Shaeff Myers Funeral, 145 Tennis Ave, Ambler PA 19002 on Sunday June 5, 2016 from 7pm to 9pm, and then again on Monday June 6 from 9am to 11am also at the funeral home. A prayer service will begin at 11am followed by interment at St John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont, PA. Donations may be made in Vince's memory to the Fallen Firefighters' Foundation or the Animal Rescue of the donor's choice.

Arrangements By Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home, Ambler.